H-ton Senior Chelsea Connell’s Eyes
are Opened
She’s one of the top students in Huntington High School’s Class of 2016, but Chelsea Connell isn’t beyond learning something new. She’s an inquisitive young woman who isn’t afraid to seek out an adventure.
Ms. Connell keeps an active schedule. She has excelled in many of the high school’s most challenging classes and been active in the club program, too. A member of several academic honor societies, the teenager is the Spanish Honor Society’s recording secretary.
“My membership in the Spanish Honor Society has truly opened my eyes to a whole new community at our school,” Ms. Connell said. “This group of English as a new language students are always eager and willing to learn as they attend our social groups and tutoring sessions. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the smile on someone’s face once they learn a new word in English or understand a new math concept after one of our tutoring sessions.”
The teenager has established a close working relationship with Mercedes Pena, a high school world languages teacher who serves as the Spanish Honor Society’s faculty advisor.
“Chelsea Connell is a sweet, caring and dedicated young lady,” Mrs. Pena said. “She is one of the most active and valuable members of the Spanish Honor Society. She comes to all of the tutoring and social group sessions. It touches my heart to see how she and the other members try to help the ENL students understand social studies concepts that are difficult to interpret in the target language. When an ENL student finally understands an abstract concept, you can see Chelsea's face glow with delight! Chelsea’s gentle tone and compassionate aura helps give her ENL peers a comfortable setting. I feel extremely fortunate to have hardworking and reliable officers like Chelsea.”
Ms. Connell is leaving her mark at the high school. She is respected by her teachers and classmates and regarded as a loyal and trusted friend by many. Her work with the Spanish Honor Society has been rewarding on many different levels.”
“The social groups have truly played a crucial role in my high school career as I’ve been frequently attending them since sophomore year,” Ms. Connell said. “I genuinely look forward to these sessions as I am able to meet and interact with students whom I’ve never met before. Not only am I meeting new friends, but I am able to help these enthusiastic students with their English skills while they too are helping me improve my Spanish skills.”